I just bought a vise, and I am learning to tie by reading A.K. Best's "Production Fly Tying" and Randall Kaufmann's "Tying Dry Flies". I think two other good books are Skip Morris' "Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple" and Dave Hughes' "Essential Trout Flies", and I would have bought one of those books if I was interested in nymphs and streamers too.

I think "Production Fly Tying" is a great book for beginners because Best explains the why's for his breaking of the traditional rules, and he is meticulous about his instructions on how to tie certain materials giving the exact locations for tying them on, and the pictures of his fly tying set up are amazing...his vise is a true thing of beauty. Unfortunately, I don't think he would be very proud of me: I am only able to tie about one fly per hour at this point, but even so, I have gotten my costs down to about $50 per fly--sheesh materials are expensive!!

Stone

05-28-2002, 09:53 AM

I hear you there! They can put a heavy burden on the old wallet.

I still take about 20 minutes to tie a fly myself, but they are getting better and better looking.

I have found a few patterns that I use often and have been practicing with only them. That way I have a sort of specialty in my fishing AND tying so I can get better at a few skills and then add a fly or two at a time once I am profficient with the ones I have.

Just a suggestion, Good luck!

John Desjardins

05-28-2002, 10:33 AM

I've only used AK Best's book out of those you've listed and can say that it is a book that has changed my tying style. What it has helped me with is realizing that I should think of the production line aspect of tying. If you prepare all the materials for a couple of flies ahead of tying it makes for a more consistent fly and a quicker tie.

old man

05-28-2002, 12:33 PM

I tried what you said John, but as I progressed on it became a bigger and bigger mess. So now I just leave it at that, and befuddle thru it all.

I have this old desk that I use for a tying table. It has a few shelves and I added a few more compartments to store stuff. And no matter how hard that I try it still has a sense to stay cluttered. So I just leave it as it is. It seems to work better that way.

I'm like a few of these people in that I only tie a few flies at a time. But it seems like that any more that I have to be in the mood or else I can't tie any.

So I think that I will go exploring as our river fishing opens up in three more days. I have enough to get started on so I won't be left out. Jim S.